MPs concluded debate on a Bill seeking to legalise the production and
sale of genetically modified foods. The proposed law now awaits scrutiny by
members in the committee of the whole House.
Science and Technology assistant minister Ukur Yattani concluded
responding to issues raised by MPs on the Biosafety Bill during the first
day of debate on October 3, assuring the House that genetically modified
foods would not endanger lives. The proposed law provides for legal and
scientific infrastructure to regulate modification of genetic organisms and
enable the country to reap from the benefits of biotechnology.

Among other things, the Bill proposes the establishment of the
National Biosafety Authority to supervise GMO research and provide
regulations to ward off bungling and barefoot profiteering at the expense of
human lives and environmental safety.

More powers

Kisumu Rural MP Anyang' Nyong'o called for adequate institutional
capacity to ensure wholesomeness.

Justice and Constitutional Affairs assistant minister Robinson Githae
supported the Bill, saying it would spur agricultural production but called
for more powers to the authority to prefect GMOs' manipulation, imports and
use.

Kisumu Town East MP Gor Sunguh (Narc) asked the Government to harness
and maximise the benefits of biotechnological research and called for strict
regulation of imported GMOs.Mr Peter Odoyo (Nyakach, Narc) said the Bill
lacked moral provisions to check wayward researchers, adding: "We shouldn't
be allowed to play God in the laboratories."

Mr Daniel Karaba (Kerugoya-Kutus, Narc) described the proposed law as
the harbinger of revolution in food production, while Prof Ayiecho Olweny
(Muhoroni, Narc) asked members to ignore organisations opposed to GMOs.

Kabete's Paul Muite (Safina) said Kenyans must not be held back by
fear of GMO foods and that scientists must be allowed their space to think
and research.


[allafrica.com]